Pine Processionary-moth
Thaumetopoea pityocampa
The larvae follow a pheromone trail left by the leader, forming a continuous chain that can consist of hundreds of individuals.
- Scientific name
- Thaumetopoea pityocampa
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Lepidoptera › Notodontidae › Thaumetopoea
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- increasing
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Pine and cedar forests, particularly in temperate and Mediterranean regions.
- Diet
- Larvae consume pine needles; adult moths have no functional mouthparts and do not eat.
- Range
- Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East, Central Europe
- Size
- Wingspan 30-40 mm; larvae reach 30-40 mm in length.
- Lifespan
- 1 year cycle; adults live only 2-5 days.
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Natural predators like the Great Spotted Cuckoo, extreme cold, and insecticide use.
- Safe to approach?
- Dangerous. Do not touch the larvae or their silk nests; they release urticating hairs that cause severe skin irritation, respiratory issues, and eye damage. If contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water, use adhesive tape to remove hairs from skin, and seek medical attention for allergic reactions. Keep dogs away as it can be fatal to them.
The pine processionary ( Thaumetopoea pityocampa ) is a moth of the family Thaumetopoeidae. Sometimes placed in the genus Traumatocampa , it is one of the most destructive species to pines and cedars in Central Asia, North Africa and the countries of southern Europe. The urticating hairs of the caterpillar larvae cause harmful reactions in humans and other mammals. The species is notable for the behaviour of its caterpillars, which overwinter in tent-like nests high in pine trees, and...
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